Beginners The 12 Best Deodorants for Women of 2021 Nix body odor while being kind to your body with these picks By Rozalynn S. Frazier Rozalynn S. Frazier Rozalynn is an award-winning, multimedia journalist who covers all things fitness and wellness. She is a NASM-certified personal trainer and behavior change specialist. Learn about our editorial process Fact checked by Emily Swaim Fact checked by Emily Swaim on August 25, 2021 LinkedIn Emily is a fact checker, editor, and writer who has expertise in psychology, health and lifestyle content. Learn about our editorial process Reviewed by John Honerkamp Reviewed by John Honerkamp on September 03, 2021 LinkedIn Twitter John Honerkamp is an RRCA and USATF certified running coach, celebrity marathon pacer, and recognized leader in the New York City running community. Learn about our Review Board on September 03, 2021 Print Our editors independently research, test, and recommend the best products; you can learn more about our review process here. We may receive commissions on purchases made from our chosen links. Verywell / Chloe Jeong Sweating is an essential process that helps you regulate your body temperature, but it can also leave your underarms wet and odor-filled. Thankfully, deodorant and antiperspirant can help. "The odor [from sweating] results from a breakdown of sweat with normal skin bacteria," says Yolanda C. Holmes, M.D., F.A.A.D., a Washington D.C.-based dermatologist in private practice. She explains that deodorants can prevent this body odor and that deodorants that include aluminum become antiperspirants. "Aluminum blocks sweat glands and, by reducing sweat, it also reduces body odor." There are a variety of deodorants and antiperspirants on the market, but finding one that works with your body's chemistry can be complicated. Some include fragrances while others are fragrance-free. Some roll on while others come in a spray form. Here are the best deodorants for women on the market. Our Top Picks Best Overall: Secret Antiperspirant Deodorant with Pure Essential Oils at Amazon One smooth swipe reveals a sweet yet refreshing blend of lavender, eucalyptus, and the tiniest bit of ginger. Best Budget: Dove Even Tone Antiperspirant at Walmart If you want an antiperspirant and deodorant that goes above and beyond, this will last 48 hours. Best Aluminum-Free: Native Coconut & Vanilla Deodorant at Amazon Uses a combo of baking soda and magnesium hydroxide to keep body odor and sweating at bay. Best Extra-Strength: Secret Clinical Strength Antiperspirant and Deodorant at Amazon This powerful soft solid offers max protection against wetness and unpleasant odors for up to two days. Best for Excessive Sweating: Vanicream Antiperspirant Deodorant at Amazon This solid stick also eliminates sweat-based odors while keeping you from sweating in the first place. Best Natural: Corpus Naturals Deodorant at Goop.com This balmy, water-based stick shields against sweat while safely caring for your underarms. Best Gel: Almay Sensitive skin Clear Gel Deodorant at Amazon Most triggering ingredients for sensitive skin users are left out of this hypoallergenic formula. Best for Running: Degree Antiperspirant Deodorant Dry Spray at Amazon MOTIONSENSE Technology kicks into gear the more you move, releasing extra sweat and odor protection. Best Spray: Aesop Deodorant Spray at Amazon Jam-packed with 11 essential oils to nix unpleasant underarm odor, it leaves behind a light, earthy smell. Best Antiperspirant: Kiehl’s Superbly Efficient Anti-Perspirant & Deodorant Cream at Kiehls.com Squeeze a dollop in your hand and lather it on to condition and smooth your underarms while smoothing underarm hair. In This Article Expand Our Picks What to Look For FAQs Why Trust Verywell Fit? Best Overall: Secret Antiperspirant Deodorant with Pure Essential Oils View On Amazon View On Walmart Pros No parabens or dyes Lasts 48 hours Cons Formulated with aluminum Essential oils may be irritating Filled with essential oils, this antiperspirant feels luxurious from the first use. One smooth swipe reveals a refreshing blend of lavender, eucalyptus, and ginger—a combination that masks unpleasant odors. While paraben- and dye-free, this 48-hour stick is formulated with aluminum. And while studies show that there is no direct link between aluminum-based deodorants and cancer, some people may wish to avoid the ingredient. Size: 2.6 ounces | Application: Invisible solid | Type: Antiperspirant and deodorant Best Budget: Dove Even Tone Antiperspirant View On Walmart Pros Lasts 48 hours Evens out skin tone Cons Fragrance may be irritating Formulated with aluminum If you want an antiperspirant and deodorant that goes above and beyond, this option from Dove is crafted to provide you with up to 48 hours of protection. Available in stick form, it leaves behind a light, floral fragrance. It's also infused with vitamin B3 in the form of niacinamide—evening out discolored underarm skin while moisturizing and hydrating. Size: 2.6 ounces | Application: Solid | Type: Antiperspirant and deodorant Best Aluminum-Free: Native Coconut & Vanilla Deodorant View On Amazon View On Walmart View On Nativecos.com Pros No aluminum, parabens, or talc Formulated with shea butter Cons Baking soda may be irritating Coconut oil can be a comedogenic This natural deodorant is free of talc, aluminum, and parabens—instead, using a combination of baking soda and magnesium hydroxide to kick body odor to the curb. It also includes tapioca starch to ensure your underarms stay dry throughout the day. Jam-packed with antioxidant-rich coconut oil and shea butter, Native Deodorant will moisturize while providing a subtle scent of vanilla and coconut. Size: 2.6 ounces | Application: Solid | Type: Deodorant The 13 Best Natural Deodorants of 2021 Best Extra-Strength: Secret Clinical Strength Antiperspirant and Deodorant View On Amazon View On Bed Bath & Beyond Pros 48-hour protection Waterproof Senses amount of sweat Cons Formulated with aluminum This powerful deodorant stick offers maximum protection against wetness and unpleasant odors for up to 48 hours. Acting as a smart antiperspirant, it senses your sweat levels throughout the day and turns up the level of protection depending on your needs. All the while, this waterproof option conditions and moisturizes underarm skin. Size: 2.6 ounces | Application: Soft solid stick | Type: Antiperspirant and deodorant Best for Excessive Sweating: Vanicream Antiperspirant Deodorant View On Amazon View On Walmart Pros 24-hour protection Dermatologist-tested Cons Formulated with aluminum Dermatologist-tested, this deodorant antiperspirant is free from common chemical irritants, including dyes, fragrances, parabens, and more. Since it's considered clinical strength, it promises to keep you feeling dry for 24 hours while leaving your underarms smooth. Although it contains potentially drying aluminum, the brand says it's safe for sensitive skin. Size: 2.3 ounces | Application: Balm stick | Type: Antiperspirant and deodorant Best Natural: Corpus Naturals Deodorant View On Goop.com View On Nordstrom View On Violet Grey Pros Vegan Free of aluminum, parabens, and talc Multiple fragrance options Cons Expensive Mixing together notes of bergamot, pink lemon, orange blossom, and cardamom, this stick doubles as a sweet fragrance in addition to deodorant. It's formulated with plant-based ingredients like Saccharomyces ferment filtrate (from yeast) and tapioca starch, shielding against sweat while caring for your underarms. Packaged in a recyclable tube, this option glides on smoothly and won't leave your underarms feeling sticky. Size: 2.6 ounces | Application: Balm stick | Type: Deodorant The 8 Best Deodorants for Men of 2021 Best Gel: Almay Sensitive skin Clear Gel Deodorant View On Amazon View On Walmart Pros Hypoallergenic Free of fragrances and alcohol Quick-drying Cons Formulated with aluminum This option from Almay is free of harsh fragrances and alcohols (ingredients that those with sensitive skin may have to avoid). It's also hypoallergenic, so you won't have to worry about redness or breakouts. The quick-drying deodorant rolls on clear, and the formula is designed to keep sweat away all day. Size: 2.3 ounces | Application: Gel | Type: Antiperspirant and deodorant Best for Running: Degree Antiperspirant Deodorant Dry Spray View On Amazon View On Walmart Pros 48-hour protection Alcohol-free Quick-drying spray Cons Formulated with aluminum If you're a runner, tracking distance, pace, time, and splits is already enough to worry about. With this deodorant-antiperspirant combination, you won't have to worry about underarm protection as well. Made with the brand's MOTIONSENSE Technology, the formula releases more sweat-blocking power the more you move. This spray-on pick also goes on clear so it won't leave behind any residue. Size: 3.8 ounces | Application: Spray | Type: Antiperspirant and deodorant Best Spray: Aesop Deodorant Spray View On Amazon View On Spacenk.com Pros Free of aluminum Gender-neutral fragrance Cons Might need to reapply frequently Expensive Packed with 11 essential oils to nix unpleasant underarm odor—including tea tree oil, which keeps bacteria from sticking around, it leaves behind a light, earthy smell courtesy of vetiver. Since it's not an antiperspirant, it won't stop you from sweating, so you may need to reapply throughout the day. Size: 1.7 ounces | Application: Spray | Type: Deodorant The 7 Best Shoe Deodorizers Best Antiperspirant: Kiehl’s Superbly Efficient Anti-Perspirant & Deodorant Cream View On Kiehls.com View On Nordstrom Pros 24-hour protection Safe for sensitive skin Fragrance-free Cons Expensive Formulated with aluminum Doubling as a moisturizer, this deodorant can be lathered on to condition and smooth your underarms while eliminating odor. It absorbs quickly and doesn't leave behind residue, and it soaks up moisture thanks to a combination of witch hazel and aluminum salt. For a full 24 hours, Kiehl's Efficient Antiperspirant and Deodorant Cream will give you full antibacterial benefits. Size: 2.5 ounces | Application: Cream | Type: Antiperspirant and deodorant Best for Sensitive Skin: Nubian Heritage 24 Hour Natural Deodorant African Black Soap View On Amazon View On IHerb Pros Aluminum- and baking soda- free Certified Organic and Fair Trade ingredients Made with soothing aloe Cons May need to be reapplied Formulated with organic shea butter, aloe vera, and vitamin E, this two-pack of natural deodorant nourishes your underarms without leaving behind unwanted white streaks. It also fights off odor and sweat with a mixture of cornstarch and Saccharomyces for 24-hour, fresh-scented protection. Size: 2.25 ounces | Application: Solid | Type: Deodorant Best Smelling: LAVANILA The Healthy Deodorant View On Amazon View On Pharmaca.com Pros Free of propylene, aluminum, and parabens Baking soda-free Non-staining formula Cons May need to be reapplied frequently A trio of ingredients makes this all-natural, aluminum-free solid deodorant a decent investment—cornstarch, soothing aloe vera, and antibacterial lemon and tea tree oils. Though natural, it's crafted to keep your underarms completely dry while providing you with a clean, crisp aroma that lasts for hours. Size: 2 ounces | Application: Stick | Type: Deodorant Final Verdict Secret's Antiperspirant Deodorant (view at Amazon) will stand up to unpleasant odors while blocking out sweat. But since it's formulated with essential oils, it feels luxurious from the first swipe. If you're on the lookout for an antiperspirant that will protect you through your toughest workouts, the Vanicream Anti-Perspirant (view at Amazon) is waterproof, dermatologist-tested, and will keep your underarms dry for a solid 24 hours. It's also great for those with sensitive skin since it's free from dyes, fragrances, parabens, and more. What to Look for in a Deodorant for Women Ingredients For a true deodorant that blocks odor, look for ingredients such as kaolin, saccharomyces ferment, and baking soda, which can mask smells. An antiperspirant requires aluminum, which prevents your body from releasing sweat in the first place. While there is no known connection between cancer and aluminum-based deodorants or antiperspirants, some people still have concerns. If that's the case, ones with formulas that include cornstarch powder can be another option. Dr. Holmes suggests avoiding triclosan (an endocrine disruptor), parabens (which can mimic estrogen), and propylene glycol (which can cause liver and kidney damage). "All of these ingredients can also cause allergic reactions,” she says. Application The application type is typically a personal preference. There are spray-on options, roll-on formulas, gels, and creams. Find one that's convenient for you and your lifestyle. Type Heavy sweaters should look to antiperspirants that squelch sweat and subsequently prevent body odor. If you find a deodorant you like instead, make sure that yours has ingredients that help defend against wetness (like baking soda, aluminum, tapioca powder, and cornstarch) and ones that mask the smell of body odor (like essential oil). FAQs Are deodorants with aluminum bad for you? If a deodorant contains aluminum, it then becomes an antiperspirant. In other words, the goal of aluminum is to block sweat glands, says Dr. Holmes. “There are rumors that aluminum in deodorants and antiperspirants can cause Alzheimer's disease or breast cancer,” says Dr. Holmes. “Scientific literature states there is no link between aluminum chloride and the development of Alzheimer's.” And, although some scientists have suggested otherwise, there is currently no scientific evidence that supports a link between aluminum in deodorants and breast cancer. Do deodorants expire? Like any product, deodorants and antiperspirants do have a shelf life—typically lasting between one and three years. Be sure to check your specific product, as the expiration date is usually located on the product label. How do you get deodorant stains out of clothes? There is nothing worse than finding out your chosen deodorant or antiperspirant has left permanent pit stains on your favorite white dress or shirt. "The yellowish discoloration of white clothing can be caused by the aluminum in deodorants of antiperspirants when mixed with body sweat,” says Dr. Holmes. She recommends using an enzyme-based detergent to launder the affected items and remove the discoloration. She also says that opting for a clear gel deodorant or antiperspirant will also help eliminate staining. Why Trust Verywell Fit? Rozalynn S. Frazier is an award-winning, multimedia journalist with more than 20 years of experience reporting on health and fitness. She is also a NASM-certified personal trainer and an avid exerciser, who routinely puts wellness tools and fitness gear through its paces to help assess which products are worthy of praise. She has created content for SELF, Men’s Health, Real Simple, Health, Essence, Cosmopolitan, Livestrong.com, among others. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Get exercise tips to make your workouts less work and more fun. Sign Up You're in! Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. There was an error. Please try again. What are your concerns? Other Inaccurate Hard to Understand Submit 10 Sources Verywell Fit uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. Sweating and Body Odor. Cleveland Clinic. Published October 9, 2018. Klotz K, Weistenhöfer W, Neff F, Hartwig A, van Thriel C, Drexler H. The Health Effects of Aluminum Exposure. Dtsch Arztebl Int. 2017;114(39):653-659. doi:10.3238/arztebl.2017.0653 Lee DH, Oh IY, Koo KT, et al. Reduction in facial hyperpigmentation after treatment with a combination of topical niacinamide and tranexamic acid: a randomized, double-blind, vehicle-controlled trial. Skin Res Technol. 2014;20(2):208-212. Orchard A, van Vuuren S. Commercial Essential Oils as Potential Antimicrobials to Treat Skin Diseases. 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